06/01/2026
A quick note about media credentials because there seems to be a lot of confusion around them.
A media pass is not something that is typically issued simply because someone owns a camera or wants access to an event.
Traditionally, media credentials are issued to individuals who are working on assignment for a recognized media outlet, publication, broadcast organization, news agency, or similar entity. The purpose of the credential is to allow that outlet to gather content and report on the event.
Being a photographer does not automatically make someone media.
A media credential is not the same thing as permission to photograph clients, sell images, build a portfolio, create content for social media, or operate a photography business at an event.
Those activities may require separate permissions, contracts, vendor agreements, or approval from the event organizer.
Before requesting a media pass, it's worth asking a simple question:
"Who am I representing, and what media outlet am I covering this event for?"
The answer to that question is often what determines whether someone is media—or simply a photographer seeking access.
